Hardin-Simmons University has a special place in Jud and Linda Powell's hearts.

The north side Abilene college is where they met and fell in love — not as students, but as alumni attending university events.

As a couple, they've received the university's highest alumni award, they've attended countless Cowboys and Cowgirls sporting events and they've been general goodwill ambassadors for HSU for years.

Then, a week ago at the fall commencement ceremonies, each was given an honorary doctorate.

Both said they were overwhelmed by the honor.

"It was such a wonderful experience because Hardin-Simmons officials were so gracious in their expressions of appreciation," Jud said.

"Jud and Linda Powell are certainly deserving of this honor — the highest recognition which a university may bestow," said Dr. Lanny Hall, HSU president. "This is only the second time in HSU's 120-year history that a couple has received this award at the same commencement ceremony."

Receiving honorary doctorates together made the occasion even more special, the Powells said.

Plus, Linda explained, "Jud and I would not have been together had it not been for Hardin-Simmons."

Jud didn't plan to attend HSU. Because his two older brothers, Jim and John, attended HSU, Jud was determined to go his own way and attend Oklahoma Baptist University. He has been accepted into the Shawnee, Okla., school when HSU recruiter Sue Jennings visited his high school in Olney.

"She made me feel like I was important," Jud said of Jennings, who now owns the Natural Food Center in Abilene. "It was that personal touch that changed my mind.

" I was accepted on academic probation and the rest is history."

Jud graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1976, and earned his master's degree in 1978. He became a sales consultant for McGraw Hill Publishing Co. and in 1985, he opened the first Edward Jones financial office in Abilene, where he works today.

Linda, on the other hand, never considered attending any other college.

"From the moment I stepped onto the campus as a young child, it was a magical place," she said.

Reared in Petersburg in the Texas Panhandle, Linda was familiar with the HSU campus through visiting her aunt and uncle, Jenny and Claude Hicks, longtime HSU supporters, and her grandmother, Ethel Hicks, dorm director at Blanche Lange Hall.

Linda graduated from HSU in 1980 with a bachelor of business administration degree. She taught junior high in Brownsville before earning her master's degree in education from Tarleton State University. She taught at Tarleton from 1988 to 1992 and at South Plains College in Lubbock from 1992 to 1994.

In 1992 she was on the HSU campus for a class reunion. She said some friends wanted to introduce her to Jud. She agreed because she knew Jud's brother John and wanted to know how his family was doing.

They met and that was it, until a year later when Jud called her before homecoming.

They began dating in December 1993, attending many HSU events, and were married in May 1994. It was the second marriage for both. Between them they have five sons and one daughter. Plus, they have five grandchildren, all of whom are well supplied with HSU T-shirts.

The Powells support numerous HSU academic programs, athletic teams and alumni activities. In 2001 they received the John J. Keeter Award, the highest HSU alumni award.

In addition to her service to HSU, Linda has served on the Vera West Women's Center Council and helped form Journey Guides, a support group for women with breast cancer. She also is involved in the West Texas Book & Music Festival and Wisdom Writers, a local writing group.

Hall said Linda "is a tireless community volunteer whose Christian service is exemplary. She always has demonstrated a deep and abiding love for her alma mater."

Jud "is one of HSU's strongest and most enthusiastic supporters," Hall said. "He enjoys a distinguished career in business and is known for his outstanding Christian service.

Jud has served on boards of the Salvation Army, United Way, Eunice Chambliss Hospitality House and Pastoral Care and Counseling Center. Both are active at First Baptist Church.

"All of us who serve at HSU are very grateful for all they have done for our university" Hall said.